Programs and Events
(Sponsored and co-sponsored by the Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence)
2023 events
Anna Wolfe of Mississippi Today: Anna Wolfe in the investigative reporter on poverty for Mississippi Today, a nonprofit news organization founded in 2016 focused on watchdog journalism related to Mississippi's state and local government, economy, environment, public schools and universities, and criminal justice system. In 2023, Wolfe won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Local Reporting for her work revealing how a former Mississippi governor used his office to steer millions of state welfare dollars to benefit his family and friends, including NFL quarterback Brett Favre. She spoke with students about her work and her career. She also talked with Free Speech Center Director Ken Paulson about the project.
2022 events
Winners of 2022 Pulitzer Prize in Investigative Reporting: Three journalists with the Tampa Bay Times spoke to students about their Pulitzer-winning work that exposed toxic hazards in and around Florida's only battery recycling plant. Rebecca Woolington, Eli Murray and Corey G. Johnson (left to right in photo) shared with students how the story evolved from asking questions regarding lead in schools to a full-blown expose' of a plant that was out of compliance with safety standards and workers who were dying. Their work, based on government documents and hundreds of interviews, spurred legislative changes and actions by the company. Read more about the project and the effect on worker and public health here.
Charity Scott: Former Wall Street Journal journalist Charity Scott shared with journalism students her work on the award-winning special projecton the Tulsa Race Massacre. In 1921, a mob of white Tulsa residents, some of whom were arme